NSAIDs and Athletic Performance: Are Pain Relievers Holding Athletes Back?

NSAIDs and Athletic Performance: Are Pain Relievers Holding Athletes Back?

In this episode of the ICA Sports and Fitness Science Council podcast, Dr. Brant Hulsebus of Rockford, Illinois, welcomes Dr. Kyle Hoeft of Fishers, Indiana, for a discussion on NSAID use and athletic performance. The episode reviews the research paper: “Is Physical Performance Affected by Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Use? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis” The Physician & Sportsmedicine June 2024; Vol. 52; No. 3; pp. 207–216. NSAIDs are commonly used by athletes before and after games, training, and competition. But do they actually improve performance? According to the discussion in this episode, the research does not support NSAIDs as a performance enhancer. Dr. Hulsebus and Dr. Hoeft discuss how regular NSAID use may fail to improve strength or physical performance and may raise concerns for athletes trying to recover, adapt, and improve. The conversation also explains how sports chiropractors look at the cause of an athlete’s pain instead of only covering symptoms. Dr. Hoeft discusses how ankle and foot mechanics can contribute to knee pain, while Dr. Hulsebus explains how spinal and extremity function, biomechanics, and nervous system communication all matter when caring for athletes. This episode is for chiropractors, students, athletes, coaches, trainers, and anyone interested in sports chiropractic and performance-based care. Topics include: * NSAID use in sports * Athletic performance and pain relief * Strength and muscle recovery * Sports chiropractic care * Extremity adjusting * Ankle, knee, and spine biomechanics * Helping athletes stay mobile and perform naturally * The role of the ICA Sports and Fitness Science Council Hosted by Dr. Brant Hulsebus, Rockford, Illinois Guest: Dr. Kyle Hoeft, Fishers, Indiana To learn more about the ICA Sports and Fitness Science Council, visit the International Chiropractors Association at: https://www.chiropractic.org/ [https://www.chiropractic.org/]

Hip Strength, Pelvic Balance, and Non-Contact ACL Injuries in Young Athletes

In this episode of the ICA Sports & Fitness Science Council Podcast, host Dr. Brant Hulsebus, DC is joined by fellow council board member Dr. Kyle Hoeft, DC to review a PubMed-indexed article from The American Journal of Sports Medicine: “Hip Muscle Strength Predicts Noncontact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury in Male and Female Athletes: A Prospective Study” Article link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26646514/ Dr. Hulsebus and Dr. Hoeft discuss what this research may mean for young athletes, parents, coaches, and sports chiropractors. Non-contact ACL injuries are a growing concern, especially in sports that involve jumping, cutting, pivoting, landing, and lunging. This episode looks beyond the knee and discusses the role of hip strength, pelvic balance, lumbar spine mechanics, repetitive stress, and the full kinetic chain in athlete care. Topics include: - Why non-contact ACL injuries happen without direct collision - How hip strength may help predict ACL injury risk - Why sports chiropractors evaluate the pelvis, hips, spine, and lower extremities together - The role of pelvic rotation and muscle imbalance - Repetitive stress in year-round youth sports - Why parents should listen when young athletes report pain, soreness, or tightness - How chiropractic care fits into sports performance and injury prevention This discussion is part of the ICA Sports & Fitness Science Council’s mission to advance education, research awareness, and chiropractic leadership in sports and fitness care. Hosted by: Dr. Brant Hulsebus, DC Guest: Dr. Kyle Hoeft, DC Presented by: ICA Sports & Fitness Science Council International Chiropractic Association Learn more about the ICA: https://www.chiropractic.org/ Learn more about the ICA Sports & Fitness Science Council: https://icasportsscience.org/

Welcoming Dr. Ray Kociolek to the ICA Sports and Fitness Science Council

On this episode of the ICA Sports and Fitness Science Council podcast, Dr. Brant Hulsebus welcomes Dr. Ray Kociolek as a new board member and introduces listeners to his background, clinical approach, and passion for sports chiropractic.  Dr. Ray discusses his transition from athletic training into chiropractic, his work with athletes in traditional sports and strength sports, and why chiropractors in performance settings must continue to keep chiropractic at the center of care. The episode also explores how athlete care may need to be adapted based on timing, competition demands, and performance goals.  This conversation offers a clear look at Dr. Ray’s philosophy and why his addition to the ICA Sports and Fitness Science Council Board is an important one for the future of sports chiropractic.  To learn more about the International Chiropractic Association and the Sports and Fitness Science Council, visit: https://www.chiropractic.org/ [https://www.chiropractic.org/]

Inside Professional Hockey Chiropractic with Dr. Alan Palmer

How do you become a chiropractor for a professional hockey team? In this edition of the ICA Chiro Cast, host Dr. Brant Hulsebus sits down with Dr. Alan Palmer to discuss the 7th Annual PHCS Workshop happening in Bloomington, MN, this July. In this episode, we cover: * The expansion of chiropractic care into the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). * The incredible speaker lineup for the 2026 workshop, including experts from the NHL and MLB. * How the PHCS helps place chiropractors with minor league teams through their "minor league coordinator" program. * Details on the exclusive tour of the Minnesota Wild training facilities. * Networking opportunities for students and young doctors looking to break into sports chiropractic. Event Dates: July 25–26, 2026. Location: Bloomington, MN (near the Mall of America). Links: * Register for the PHCS Workshop: https://prohockeychiros.com/2026-upcoming-event/ [https://prohockeychiros.com/2026-upcoming-event/]

Inside the ICA Sports & Fitness Science Council: Leaders Advancing Chiropractic in Sports

The ICA Sports & Fitness Science Council Podcast continues to spotlight the leaders shaping the future of chiropractic in sports and performance. In this episode, we revisit some of the most impactful guests featured over the past two years—highlighting their insights, experiences, and contributions to the growth of chiropractic in athletic settings. From professional team environments to private practice, these conversations reveal how chiropractors are: * Enhancing athlete performance * Reducing injury risk * Supporting recovery and longevity * Integrating with multidisciplinary sports medicine teams You’ll also hear perspectives on brain health, concussion care, nutrition, and the expanding global reach of chiropractic through sports. This episode serves as both a recap and a roadmap—showing where the profession is today and where it’s heading next. What You’ll Learn * How chiropractors are entering and thriving in professional sports * Why collaboration is critical in modern athlete care * The growing role of chiropractic in performance, not just injury * How sports settings are expanding awareness of chiropractic globally * Key principles for students and doctors looking to work with athletes About the ICA Sports & Fitness Science Council The ICA Sports & Fitness Science Council is dedicated to advancing chiropractic in sports through education, collaboration, and leadership within the profession. Through podcasts, seminars, and partnerships, the Council continues to elevate the role of chiropractic in athlete care and performance. Learn more: https://www.chiropractic.org [https://www.chiropractic.org/] Call to Action If you enjoyed this episode: * Follow the podcast for future episodes * Share this with a colleague or student * Explore previous interviews with leaders in sports chiropractic